Groove On: 29 Best Songs of the Late 70s You Need to Hear

The late 1970s witnessed a seismic shift in popular music, a period bursting with innovation and unforgettable sounds. This era gave birth to iconic artists and bands who continue to resonate with audiences today, their music transcending generations. From stadium-filling anthems that defined a generation to infectious disco grooves that dominated dance floors, the decade's musical landscape was incredibly diverse. We're celebrating this rich tapestry of sound by exploring a collection of songs that captured the spirit of the time, showcasing the incredible artistry and songwriting that defined the decade. Think of the soaring vocals and theatrical flair, the irresistible dance beats, the uplifting harmonies, and the undeniable power of music to unite and inspire.

This curated list isn't just a nostalgic trip down memory lane; it's an invitation to discover – or rediscover – the enduring magic of late 70s music. The songs chosen represent a cross-section of genres, showcasing the decade's eclectic nature and demonstrating its lasting influence on music today. Whether you're a seasoned fan or new to the sounds of this era, prepare to be captivated by the incredible energy, emotional depth, and sheer musical brilliance contained within. It’s a journey through a pivotal moment in music history, a testament to the power of unforgettable melodies and timeless rhythms that continue to inspire and uplift listeners decades later.

1. Bohemian Rhapsody

Does a song exist that transcends time and genre, captivating listeners for decades? Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" a six-minute masterpiece released in 1975, is a prime example. This groundbreaking track, a unique blend of ballad, opera, and hard rock, showcases the late 70s' progressive rock experimentation with its layered vocals, dramatic shifts in tempo and style, and innovative studio production. Its enduring popularity, evident in its continued high chart rankings and countless covers, solidifies its place as a cornerstone of rock history. The song's ambitious structure and unmatched vocal range, coupled with its dramatic lyrical themes, distinguish it as a truly exceptional piece of music from the era and a worthy inclusion in any "best of" list for the late 1970s.

2. Dancing Queen (ABBA)

ABBA's "Dancing Queen" a shimmering disco anthem from their 1976 album Arrival, encapsulates the exuberant energy of the late 1970s. Its infectious beat, propelled by a driving bassline and shimmering instrumentation, perfectly mirrors the era's dance-floor euphoria. The lyrics, celebrating youthful freedom and the joy of uninhibited movement, resonate deeply with listeners, evoking feelings of nostalgia and carefree abandon. "Dancing Queen" topped charts worldwide, cementing its status as an ABBA signature and a timeless classic. Its enduring popularity stems from its irresistible melody, anthemic chorus, and universal themes of youthful exuberance, making it a deserved inclusion on any "best of" list from the decade. The song's distinctive blend of pop sensibilities and disco influences exemplifies the era's musical landscape.

3. Stayin' Alive

While the Bee Gees' discography boasts numerous late-70s hits, "Stayin' Alive" stands apart. Its infectious disco beat, characterized by a precisely crafted four-on-the-floor rhythm (even used in CPR instruction!), and Barry Gibb's soaring falsetto vocals perfectly encapsulate the era's exuberant energy. The song's surprisingly poignant lyrics, hinting at urban resilience, contrast its upbeat tempo, creating a unique emotional depth rarely found in purely celebratory disco tracks. Its phenomenal chart success and enduring popularity, cemented by its inclusion in Saturday Night Fever, solidify its place as a defining song of the decade, influencing countless artists and remaining a timeless dancefloor classic. The combination of its instantly recognizable melody, sophisticated production, and evocative lyrical themes makes "Stayin' Alive" a truly exceptional and unforgettable track.

4. September - 1978

Earth, Wind & Fire's "September" a disco-funk masterpiece released in 1978, instantly transports listeners to a vibrant era of infectious grooves and feel-good melodies. Its infectious rhythm, punctuated by the iconic "ba-dee-ya" vocalizations, perfectly encapsulates the late 70s' emphasis on danceable beats and positive energy. The song's enduring popularity, solidified by its inclusion in the Library of Congress's National Recording Registry, stems from its timeless appeal and ability to evoke feelings of joy and nostalgia. "September" stands out for its sophisticated instrumentation, blending horns, crisp percussion, and a tight rhythm section, all underpinning Philip Bailey's soulful vocals. This combination of elements elevates it beyond a mere disco track, establishing its place among the best songs of the late 70s and a testament to the era's innovative and uplifting musical landscape.

5. We Will Rock You

Released in 1977 as the opening track of Queen's News of the World, "We Will Rock You" is a stadium-ready anthem that continues to resonate globally. The song's iconic a cappella stomp-and-clap intro, followed by layered guitar riffs and Freddie Mercury's powerful vocals, instantly establishes its unique character. Its minimalist production, a hallmark of late '70s rock, belies its powerful impact; the simple, repetitive lyrics about the stages of life, from childhood to old age, connect with audiences across generations. Its enduring popularity stems from its instantly recognizable rhythm, powerful message of empowerment, and ability to unify crowds. The song’s raw energy and simplistic yet effective structure perfectly capture the spirit of the era, solidifying its place as one of the best songs of the late 1970s and a timeless rock classic. Its accolades, including Rolling Stone's inclusion on their "500 Greatest Songs of All Time" list, further cement its lasting legacy.

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  6

  Heart Of Glass

  Blondie

  1979

  Nilsson Schmilsson

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  7

  Hotel California

  Eagles

  1976

  Hotel California (2013 Remaster)

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  8

  Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough

  Michael Jackson

  1979

  Off the Wall

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  9

  Sultans Of Swing

  Dire Straits

  1978

  Dire Straits

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  10

  YMCA

  Village People

  1978

  Can't Stop the Music (Original Soundtrack 1980)

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  11

  We Are The Champions

  Queen

  1977

  News Of The World (2011 Remaster)

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  12

  Dust in the Wind

  Kansas

  1977

  Point Of Know Return (Expanded Edition)

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  13

  Roxanne

  The Police

  1978

  Outlandos D'Amour (Remastered 2003)

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  14

  I Will Survive

  Gloria Gaynor

  1978

  Future Bound

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  15

  Dreams

  Fleetwood Mac

  1977

  Rumours (Super Deluxe)

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  16

  Hot Stuff

  Donna Summer

  1979

  Bad Girls

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  17

  More Than a Feeling

  Boston

  1976

  Boston

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  18

  Knock on Wood

  Amii Stewart

  1979

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  19

  Disco Inferno

  The Trammps

  1976

  Collected

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  20

  The Chain

  Fleetwood Mac

  1977

  Rumours (Super Deluxe)

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  21

  Just the Way You Are

  Billy Joel

  1978

  The Stranger (Legacy Edition)

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  22

  Sweet Emotion

  Aerosmith

  1975

  Toys In The Attic

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  23

  Baker Street

  Gerry Rafferty

  1978

  City to City

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  24

  My Sharona

  The Knack

  1979

  Get The Knack

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  25

  Le Freak

  CHIC

  1978

  The 50th Anniversary Collection

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  26

  Life in the Fast Lane

  Eagles

  1976

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  27

  Rich Girl

  Hall , Oates

  1977

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  28

  Go Your Own Way

  Fleetwood Mac

  1977

  Rumours

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  29

  American Girl

  Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

  1976

  Tom Petty And The Heatbreakers